What is competitive marching band?

Marching band has evolved into a very serious sport and art form. It makes use of musicians and dancers, where the final product is a combination of music, athletics and choreography in a competitive arena.

Anyone who has a desire to excel and improve can be in the band. Students who participate in marching band tend to develop better musicianship skills, hand-eye coordination, and not to mention get a great workout every day. Keep in mind that marching band is NOT just musicians. We have a Color Guard made up of BOTH instrumentalists and non-instrumentalists who would rather dance, spin, and toss flags, rifles, sabers, etc. Many students have backgrounds in dance, ballet, and jazz. Marching is always more fun with friends, so feel free to bring as many along as possible.

Many people think the marching band practices 5 days a week for many hours a day. This is not true! The band rehearses one night a week during the summer months from 6-8pm. Students are allowed to miss rehearsals for vacation. There is band camp normally during the third week of August and a 2 day band camp at the end of August prior to school. During the season/school year, we will rehearse on Monday nights for 3 hours. The most fun will be on Saturdays when the band rehearses prior to the "Big Show" (Competition) that night. The main thing to remember is that Marching Band will try you physically and musically, but you will be a better musician and person after you have finished the season. Marching band teaches organization, teamwork, time management, and discipline.

There are many expenses associated with making a marching band function. There are instructor fees, arranging fees, uniform care, marching shoes, specialized equipment for color guard and percussion, and many other necessary expenses. Therefore, we have a student fee that will help the district offset some of these costs. A detailed lists of is available in the band handbook and on the general information page of the marching band page. Please note--if these costs are in any way a financial hardship, or would tip the scales toward non-participation, please contact Mr. Menefee.

Parents are encouraged to help support in any way they are available. Parents can lend a hand in many ways by chaperoning, helping with the pit, sewing flags and color guard uniforms, building equipment, participating in booster meetings, chairing committees, fundraising, coordinating different committees, etc. The list is endless. Any parents interested in assisting the marching band or the Instrumental Music program should call Mr. Menefee at 383-9311.

The first night for all new marching band members is traditionally at the first summer rehearsal in July. The students will begin rehearsing and the parents, staff and directors will have a "get to know each other session" where questions can be asked.